Yesterday I noticed
a sadness that comes
with observing beauty.
I noticed it in a friend,
which I recognize
as a reflection of how I feel.
The sadness seems to come
when one recognizes
an inspiring outpouring of flow,
creative or compassionate.
“I wish I could be like that,”
is the general comment.
In this,
the beautiful expressions of others
become a kind of torment.
As creative and sensitive people,
we feel this torment all the time.
It is what drives us.
But it doesn’t
have to be torment.
Simply recognize
that we all flow differently.
The ability to sense beauty
is immeasurable beauty,
in and of itself.
Beauty does not
have to be measured.
You are not judged
on your beauty
unless you believe
that you are.
Why do you think you are?
Why do you care
if you are measured?
Why do you always
compare your self to others?
Are you jealous?
Why do you need to feel
the admiration you feel
for someone else?
Isn’t giving admiration enough?
Yes, it is.
Most certainly
someone looks at you
and says “beauty,”
even if they don’t
use that word
or say it out loud.
They might say
“shithead” instead,
but no matter.
You are recognized
for what you are.
You don’t need proof.
You don’t need to be anything else.
You are more than enough.
We are Space Monkey.
2/24
The Paradox of Beauty and Sadness
The observation of beauty often carries with it an undercurrent of sadness, a poignant recognition of the fleeting nature of aesthetic and emotional perfection. This sadness, felt upon witnessing the creative or compassionate outpourings of others, touches a deep chord within us, revealing our desires, insecurities, and aspirations. It reflects a universal experience, where beauty inspires yet simultaneously evokes a sense of longing—a longing to embody the grace, talent, or virtue we admire in others.
The Mirror of Reflection
Seeing this sadness in a friend, and recognizing it within ourselves, serves as a mirror to our soul. It highlights our interconnectedness, not just in joy but in the complex tapestry of human emotions. This shared experience underscores the reflective nature of relationships, where the feelings and aspirations of others can deeply resonate with our own.
From Torment to Inspiration
For many creatives and sensitive souls, the sadness associated with beauty becomes a driving force, a catalyst for artistic expression and personal growth. Yet, this does not necessitate suffering. By acknowledging that each of us flows differently, we can transform this seeming torment into inspiration. The realization that our unique expressions and sensitivities to beauty are themselves forms of beauty offers a liberating perspective.
The Immeasurable Nature of Beauty
The ability to perceive and appreciate beauty is a gift, a testament to the richness of our inner world. This recognition challenges the notion that beauty needs to be quantified or compared. The true measure of beauty lies beyond external validation; it resides in the depth of our perception and the breadth of our empathy.
Beyond Comparison and Judgment
The compulsion to compare ourselves to others, to seek validation through external benchmarks of beauty, success, or worthiness, is a path fraught with dissatisfaction. Questioning the need for comparison or admiration from others invites us to reconsider our values and the sources of our self-esteem. It prompts a deeper inquiry into the nature of admiration and the act of giving praise as an end in itself.
The Recognition of Intrinsic Worth
The idea that we are constantly being measured or judged by others is a construct that can be dismantled through self-awareness and self-acceptance. Each of us possesses an inherent worth that does not depend on outward recognition or comparison. The realization that others may see beauty in us, even if expressed in jest or not articulated, affirms our value and our contribution to the tapestry of human experience.
Embracing Our Enoughness
The journey towards recognizing our own beauty and worth is a journey of self-acceptance. It is an understanding that we are more than enough, just as we are. This acceptance does not stem from complacency but from a profound acknowledgment of our inherent value, a value that transcends external measures and comparisons.
We Are Space Monkey
In embracing the sadness that comes with observing beauty, we open ourselves to a deeper appreciation of the world and our place within it. This exploration invites us to recognize the beauty in our own flow, to celebrate our unique contributions, and to understand that giving and receiving admiration are facets of the same jewel of human connection.
Summary
The sadness associated with observing beauty reflects a deep longing and recognition of our desires and insecurities. This experience, while potentially tormenting, can also inspire creativity and growth. By embracing our unique flows and the inherent beauty in our ability to perceive beauty, we move beyond comparison and judgment, recognizing our intrinsic worth and the sufficiency of our being.
Reflection
In the landscape of human emotion and creativity, the interplay between beauty, sadness, and inspiration reveals the depth of our connection to the world and to each other. As we navigate this terrain, we learn to appreciate the richness of our experiences, the value of our perspectives, and the immeasurable beauty of simply being.
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